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TOP STORY
CBD chief: Nature credits playing a “massive role” in biodiversity financing debate
Nature credits are playing a significant part in conversations around how to raise transparent biodiversity financing, said Astrid Schomaker, the executive secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
NATURE & BIODIVERSITY MARKET
Australia proposes 100‑year permanence rule for biodiversity projects
Australia has released an updated draft scope for the Protect and Conserve (P&C) method under the Nature Repair Market, proposing that projects commit to 100 years of permanence.
UK BNG could deliver almost a fifth of government’s 2042 nature target -research
England’s biodiversity net gain (BNG) market could deliver 80,000 hectares of natural habitat by 2042, nearly a fifth of the government’s biodiversity target, if it sustains its current growth, research suggested on Monday.
POLICY
GEF approves $144 mln for climate, nature projects
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) trust fund has approved $144.3 million for 16 climate and nature-positive projects around the world that are expected to mobilise more than $828 mln in co-financing.
Peru opens door to Amazon bonds under revamped sovereign sustainable debt framework
Peru updates its sovereign sustainable bond framework to allow Amazon, nature, resilience, and blue bonds, broadening options to finance biodiversity protection.
Nature conservation laws can protect countries from fund withdrawals -paper
The Kunming Declaration led fund managers to move portfolios to countries deemed to have lower biodiversity-related risk, but conservation laws can help deter investor withdrawals, a paper has said.
Canada risks environmental leadership, stands at climate crossroads -speakers
Canadian climate policy is at a crossroads, and without intervention, the country risks being left behind, attendees of Toronto Climate Week heard on Monday.
Indonesia’s mangrove finance growth hinges on transaction readiness -report
Indonesia’s mangrove financing has grown more complex, backed by public budgets, international partnerships, and market mechanisms, but scaling up will depend on making projects transaction ready, a report said.
Poland could deliver 45 Mt of removals by 2050, driven mainly by nature-based solutions -report
Poland is projected to have around 45 million tonnes of carbon removal (CDR) potential in 2050 under a high-ambition scenario, led by ecosystem enhancement such as afforestation and peatland restoration, while its abundant biomass resources could support pathways like biochar, according to a climate non-profit.
Chile forest carbon reporting in accordance with UN rules, assessment finds
Chile’s efforts to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation have received a positive assessment from UN climate experts, who concluded that the country’s reported forest-sector emissions reductions are largely transparent, consistent, and in line with international reporting requirements.
Australia cannot rely on carbon removals to offset gas emissions, think tank says
Australia’s plans to keep pumping out gas while reaching net zero emissions rely on unrealistic assumptions about the future availability of carbon removals, hydrogen, and carbon capture technologies, according to a new report.
Non-profits appeal EU green taxonomy ruling over forestry, bioenergy criteria
A group of environmental non-profits has appealed a lower EU court ruling on the bloc’s sustainable finance taxonomy, arguing the decision allows climate-damaging forestry and bioenergy activities to be labelled as green.
CORPORATE
INTERVIEW: Nature tech startup looks to spread agroforestry carbon projects in Angola
A nature intelligence startup is working with Angolan land stewards to develop large-scale agroforestry initiatives in the country, using its technology to screen potential projects and reduce the risk of early-stage investment, just as the government begins building its carbon market framework.
Biodiversity risks raise corporate debt-default chances in China -paper
Biodiversity risks make Chinese listed companies significantly more likely to default on their debts, with nature-dependent sectors the most exposed, according to a forthcoming paper.
Brazilian development bank approves R$87 mln in financing for Atlantic Forest restoration project
A forest restoration initiative in Brazil has secured new public financing from Brazil’s national development bank to rehabilitate Atlantic Forest ecosystems while generating carbon credits and biodiversity benefits.
Nestle Waters faces rising pressure over alleged environmental crimes
New footage of mass environmental contamination in France has fanned the flames of a case implicating Nestle, with the conglomerate’s bottled water division accused of illegally dumping plastic waste in eastern France for over a decade, according to media reports.
Report estimates Australian companies with biggest biodiversity impacts
The Australian companies with the largest direct impacts on species extinction risk have been estimated in land-conversion terms in a report.
Thai firm launches digital token tied to 400k carbon credits from mangrove project
A Thailand-based digital services firm last week announced plans to issue a digital token in the third quarter of 2026, raising up to THB 480 million ($14.7 mln) for a mangrove reforestation project tied to 400,000 carbon credits.
Few dairy, coffee companies set methane targets for 2030 -report
Just three of 23 assessed dairy and coffee companies have published methane reduction targets for 2030, according to a report released this week.
South African tour operator looks to lure tourists with carbon offset safari nights
Tourists on safari in South Africa can now offset their carbon emissions through a new partnership between a luxury tour firm and a grassland restoration project certified under Verra’s VM0042.
New guide offers recommendations for agricultural biomass-based CDR sourcing
A new guide released on Thursday by a New York-based advisory firm set out criteria for buyers sourcing agricultural residues for biomass-based carbon removals (CDR), citing the need for safeguards around soil health, livelihoods, and credit integrity.
NATURE-BASED CARBON
FEATURE: Carbon finance in Peru should complement int’l aid, officials and partners say
Peru’s carbon market should be self-sustaining instead of relying excessively on foreign aid, without necessarily replacing international funds, officials and institutional partners told Carbon Pulse this week at the Peru Carbon Forum in Lima.
FEATURE: 25 years on, Cordillera Azul epitomises struggle to balance conservation, carbon market protocols, and Indigenous rights
The non-profit in charge of Peru’s 25-year-old Cordillera Azul National Park (PNCAZ) turned to carbon finance over a decade ago to sustain its operations, creating a REDD+ mega-project – but following a turbulent few years beset with baseline challenges, methodology questions, and litigation surrounding free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) from Indigenous communities, it is mulling its next steps.
BRIEFING: Campaigners pose three quality approaches for use of international credits in EU
The European Union should adopt a hybrid approach when considering the quality of international credits that could count towards its 2040 emission reduction target, using self-set principles to assess against the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (PACM) and other quality benchmarks, two non-profits said this week.
US oil company retires forest credits from Guyana worth $250 million
A US oil major this week retired an estimated $250 million in avoided deforestation credits generated as a byproduct of one of the largest oil discoveries in decades, a project that has since sparked a multi-billion dollar legal battle.
Ecuador takes first step to enabling carbon markets with Article 6 regulation
Ecuador’s Ministry of Environment and Energy (MAE) has approved new rules governing the authorisation, registration, traceability, and transfer of mitigation outcomes under Article 6, creating the country’s first dedicated framework for participating in international carbon markets despite longstanding legal uncertainty surrounding carbon credit trading.
Bolivian framework bill to set the stage for carbon markets by July -official
Bolivia’s executive branch aims to present an overarching climate finance bill to the country’s national assembly by July – establishing the basis for both voluntary and compliance markets, among other instruments, a top official told Carbon Pulse at the Peru Carbon Forum this week.
Verra approves first jurisdictional and nested REDD+ carbon programme
Verra has approved its first-ever government-led REDD+ project, a milestone as countries seek to monetise the avoided deforestation sector under jurisdictional carbon crediting.
LAC credits consolidate position in int’l VCM, REDD+ still dominates
Over 25% of carbon credits retired so far this year in the voluntary market (VCM) have come from Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), where REDD+ units still dominate supply.
Colombian ARR project receives issuance of first 230k removal credits
An afforestation project in eastern Colombia has completed its first verified issuance after seven years under development, with backers aiming to expand the planted area and bring additional volumes to market.
LATAM Roundup: Article 6 snaps up tech-based solutions as REDD+ keeps grip on VCM
For now, technology-driven activities dominate Latin America’s Article 6.2 Letters of Authorisation (LoAs), in a departure from the REDD-heavy profile of the local voluntary market (VCM) – but jurisdictional REDD+ (J-REDD+) is poised to flood both systems, Carbon Pulse has reported.
Mumbai mangroves could yield high‑integrity blue carbon credits, says NGO
Healthy mangrove ecosystems across India’s Mumbai Metropolitan Region, the country’s largest urban agglomeration, could generate six to ten carbon credits per hectare annually, with high‑integrity blue‑carbon credits fetching $20-50 and biodiversity‑linked credits up to $150, according to a white paper submitted to India’s Prime Minister’s Office.
US land management firm sells forest carbon credits for over $4 mln
A US-based land management company has secured just over $4 million from the sale of carbon credits generated from an improved forest management (IFM) project in Tennessee, it announced last week.
Thai rubber plantation project targets 1 mln carbon credits
A Thai state agency and an agribusiness and food conglomerate announed last week they have launched a rubber plantation project that aims to generate up to 1 million carbon credits across 80,000 hectares in northeastern Thailand.
Vietnam launches blue carbon partnership to unlock green finance -media
Vietnam’s environment ministry has launched a blue carbon partnership to help mobilise finance for the sustainable management of coastal and marine ecosystems, in collaboration with the UN and UK government.
Australian biochar developer begins pyrolysis trial in Queensland
An Australian biochar developer has begun harvesting and pyrolysis trials at a project in North Queensland that aims to convert invasive woody biomass into biochar-based carbon removals (CDR).
French carbon standard consults on bio-oil in asphalt module
A French carbon standard last week opened a public consultation on a new module that would allow carbon credits to be issued from the use of bio-oil as a lower-carbon substitute for fossil-based asphalt binder.
Isometric shortens default public comment period in latest standard update
Carbon credit registry and certification body Isometric has certified Version 2.1 of its standard, introducing a more streamlined validation process designed to accelerate the issuance of carbon removal credits.
SCIENCE & TECH
Global 30×30 target prioritises African protected area expansion over ecological outcomes -paper
Expanding protected areas under the international target of safeguarding 30% of land and sea by 2030 should be seen as only one dimension of successful ecological conservation in Africa, according to a paper published this week.
Extreme wildfires persist despite low global burned area, emissions in 2025 -study
Global wildfire activity in 2025 produced the second-lowest burned area and third-lowest CO2 emissions since satellite records began in 2002, but a growing concentration of destructive fires in populated and carbon-rich regions continued to generate severe human and economic impacts, according to a review published this week.
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BITE-SIZED UPDATES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
POLICY
Insufficient – Bulgaria published its 7th National Report on the Convention on Biological Diversity’s online platform on Tuesday, setting out progress towards the GBF. On its target to develop a National Ecological Network it was making insufficient progress, with a key challenge being developing the capacity to manage the network, it said. However, it noted a number of projects had been implemented during 2019-25 towards the target.
Malawi risks – Malawi risks losing its natural heritage if action is not taken to address environmental degradation, said Minister of Natural Resources, Patricia Wiskes. The country is at a critical turning point, she said at an event on the forthcoming launch of the country’s NBSAP, reported The Daily Times. The national plan will address measures including ecosystem restoration, improved protected area management, and sustainable agriculture.
Croatian conservation – Biodiversity conservation projects in Zadar were awarded €6.5 mln euros late last week, according to a statement from the Croatian environment ministry. The ministry committed €4.4 mln to removing waste from a site in Nin, a town north of Zadar. The funds are expected to completely cover the clean ups costs. Meanwhile, the ministry dedicated a further €2.1 mln to a project aimed at improving the water quality of Vransko Lake in Biograd na Moru. Work will include preventing lake salinisation and preserving the lake’s freshwater ecosystems.
Signed, sealed – The Georgian government and a conservation fund have agreed to finance protected landscapes, reported Rustavi 2. The environmental ministry and the Germany-based Caucasus Nature Fund committed to backing Aravi and Truso sites in the north of the country. The project aims to support the effective management of the landscapes, promote biodiversity conservation, and ensure the sustainable development of local ecosystems.
Guernsey commission – Guernsey’s government has agreed to provide about £500,000 to support nature across the island due to its significant economic, health, and wellbeing benefits, reported the BBC. The five-year agreement will see £100,000 delivered per year to the non-profit Nature Commission – a step-up from the previous sum of £40,000 annually. The money should strengthen the ability of the organisation to secure additional capital, it said.
Fire power – Fresh federal funding will support wildfire preparedness, response capacity, and risk-reduction measures across sites administered by Parks Canada, the government announced on Thursday. Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin said Ottawa will invest C$47.8 mln over five years, via Budget 2025, to renew Parks Canada’s National Fire Management Program and maintain operational readiness, deployable equipment, and activities such as prescribed burning and vegetation management. The funding comes as climate change drives more frequent and severe wildfires across Canada, with Parks Canada saying the investment will help protect communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems in collaboration with provincial, territorial, Indigenous, and local partners.
Drone grown – A drone seed-spreading trial has been launched in England’s Peak District to test whether the technology can help restore ravine woodlands affected by ash dieback on steep, inaccessible slopes, it was announced Monday. Natural England’s LIFE in the Ravines project used specially designed drones to disperse native tree seeds across 0.75 ha plots at Dovedale and Lathkill Dale, with monitoring planned to assess germination rates, survival, and cost-effectiveness. Project partners said the approach could provide a safer and more efficient way to restore hard-to-reach areas while supporting efforts to build more resilient woodlands. The initiative forms part of a wider restoration programme that has already planted more than 100,000 trees across the Peak District Dales.
Genetic resources – India has issued the most Internationally Recognised Certificates of Compliance (IRCCs) of any country for providing access to genetic resources and traditional knowledge under the Nagoya Protocol, according to a recent report. The Times of India reported that the country has published 3,556 IRCCs, accounting for 60% of the total issuance worldwide. France is in second place, having issued 964, according to the report. Agreed in 2010, the Nagoya Protocol aims to ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic materials under the CBD.
Marine conservation – New Zealand has announced new protective measures for marine ecosystems along its Otago coast, the country’s government said on Monday. Under the initiative, the country will create five new marine protected sites, spanning more than 300 sq. km. The reserves, officially designated from July 1, will protect kelp, coral, and rocky reef habitats. The move increases New Zealand’s marine protected areas by about 50%, the statement said.
SCIENCE & TECH
Ghana hub – UK-based biodiversity certification non-profit the Global Biodiversity Standard has announced the launch of a hub in Ghana for coordinating activities across West Africa, it said on LinkedIn. The initiative will be hosted by the Forestry Research Institute of Ghana, part of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. The hub will seek to support biodiversity assessments and ecosystem restoration in the region.
Wetland research – Australian government research is set to support wetland conservation in the Murray-Darling river basin, a statement from the government said late last week. The studies focused on how climate change impacts the Macquarie Marshes in New South Wales (NSW), riverland wetlands in South Australia, and Barmah Forest on the border between Victoria and NSW. It suggested that climate change is exacerbating the issues of uneven water flows which already affect the river basin.
MARKETS
Feedback sought – Carbon Registry-India (CR-I), a voluntary carbon crediting programme operated by the Network for Certification and Conservation of Forests (NCCF), has opened a public consultation for the Piplantri Tree Plantation Project (CRI30023IN), an afforestation and land restoration initiative in the western state of Rajasthan. The project aims to convert degraded and under-utilised land into forested landscapes that can sequester carbon, enhance biodiversity, and improve ecosystem services. Feedback has been invited from local communities, experts, government agencies, and other stakeholders before the project advances through the registry’s approval process.
Starting now – Papua New Guinea has formally launched a $63.4 mln Green Climate Fund-backed programme announced last year. The programme aims to channel results-based payments from forest emissions reductions into community development and conservation activities. It recognises 17 Mt of emissions reductions achieved between 2014-16 and will direct 60% of funding to locals and low-emission development. The initiative is being implemented by the UN FAO in partnership with Papua New Guinea’s Climate Change and Development Authority under the country’s national REDD+ strategy.
Blue shift – A mangrove conservation project in Mexico developed by MarVivo has been archived on the US carbon offset platform Wren’s registry after its proponents shifted priorities away from carbon and towards community-driven educational efforts. The project description said the initiative aimed to protect nearly 15,000 ha of mangrove forest in Baja California Sur, Mexico, through a proposed conservation arrangement intended to prevent activities such as aquaculture and mining in the area. Under a REDD+ framework, the project aimed to mobilise carbon finance to strengthen forest governance, support conservation activities, and fund community initiatives, following the guidelines set out by VM0007 – REDD+ Methodology Framework (REDD+ MF), v1.6.
Survivability – Indonesian developer Fairatmos has signed an MoU with conservation group Yayasan Konservasi Pesisir Indonesia to strengthen mangrove restoration and blue carbon development in the country, it announced. The partnership will focus on smart nursery development, joint research and academic publications, and exploring future blue carbon project opportunities. The organisations said the tie-up aims to improve long-term tree survivability and support science-based, scalable coastal restoration efforts.
CORPORATE
Mutli-business forestry – Indonesia has launched a taskforce for implementing multi-business forestry (MUK) across the country, Antara reported late last week. MUK, a forest management approach intended to be both sustainable and attractive to investors, is part of Indonesia’s environmental strategy. The country’s environment minister called for MUK to be scaled up, suggesting the new taskforce will accelerate its development. It is currently focusing on agroforestry and ecosystem restoration linked to coffee and cocoa production, the media outlet said.
Calculation collaboration – Environmental consultancy Ecogain announced on Tuesday it has partnered with BioDiv, a Swedish software company. Ecogain, part of the Myllium collective, said the collaboration will speed up its biodiversity calculations via a digital platform developed by BioDiv. This platform is built on an open source metric that Ecogain co-developed, the company wrote on LinkedIn.
ESG support – Brazilian bank Banco do Brasil (BB) and climate consultancy WayCarbon are preparing to launch an ESG advisory service next month to help 100 small and medium-sized Brazilian municipalities develop climate mitigation and adaptation projects. The Municipal Climate Management service, announced on May 20, developed with support from Brazil’s National Treasury Secretariat, is currently in testing and expected to become available in June. It will use artificial intelligence, monitoring technology, territorial diagnostics, and financial management tools to help local governments identify climate vulnerabilities, design adaptation measures, and structure projects suitable for fundraising. The service will be offered free of charge to participating municipalities.
Words matter – SAFE Food Advocacy Europe has called for caution over the use of the term ‘regenerative agriculture’. The Brussels-based NGO joined about 20 other organisations in signing a public statement on Tuesday, suggesting that the phrase is vaguely defined and could therefore be used to ‘greenwash’ agricultural practices. Regenerative agriculture should be reserved for farmers implementing specific environmental measures, such as avoiding pesticides, and not used to describe minor, “cosmetic measures”, the statement said.
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